So I've been top roping ice for a few seasons now and am ready to venture into leading on ice. I've already put an ice rack together and the only question that I still have is weather it is better to use a double rope system or a single rope system for ice. I've used double rope a lot for wandering trad routes and understand the value of the system, I was just wondering if there are any specific advantages to using a one or the other on ice.

So I've been top roping ice for a few seasons now and am ready to venture into leading on ice. I've already put an ice rack together and the only question that I still have is weather it is better to use a double rope system or a single rope system for ice. I've used double rope a lot for wandering trad routes and understand the value of the system, I was just wondering if there are any specific advantages to using a one or the other on ice.

Sharp things and ropes don't mix well, double ropes provide a more redundant system in case your sharp things try to mix with the rope.

If you are topping roping than a single is great the rop is above you and it easy to avoid it with the sharp objects.

But for lead I like doubles or twins. Reason is the rope dangles down below you and its harder to see. On pitch three of a favorite climb my crampon's front point came in contact with my rope...dead center, at the time I was just using a single rope and sliced the sheath to the core, oops (lucky there was a walk off). With doubles you can do that and still have a good rope left after that learning experience.